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Montgomery County is Urging Residents to Prepare for Tropical Storm Isaias

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 3, 2020

Montgomery County emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare now for Tropical Storm Isaias. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Montgomery County, and a Flood Watch is in effect through Tuesday, Aug. 4. Rain may quickly spread over the area Monday evening, with the heaviest precipitation occurring Aug. 4. Tropical storm force wind gusts of up to 40 mph can be expected Tuesday morning into the early afternoon. Conditions are forecast to improve Tuesday evening. 

The effects of a hurricane or tropical storm can be far-reaching. Areas impacted directly by a hurricane or tropical storm, and even fringe areas of these storms, can be adversely affected by its high winds and heavy rains. Property along waterways and in low-lying areas is particularly vulnerable to flooding.

Residents are urged to sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive weather updates. Alert Montgomery sign-up information is also available on-line at the County’s Call Center MC311, or by calling 311 or 240-777-0311, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Alerts can be sent to one or more electronic devices including: cell phones, smart phones and email accounts.

Storm Preparedness Tips

  • Keep flashlights, battery-powered radios and extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, medicines and emergency non-perishable food (with non-electric can opener) and water to last each member of your family approximately 72 hours.

  • Keep mobile devices and portable chargers charged to stay informed, receive alerts, and communicate in the event of a power outage.

  • Follow radio, television or online weather reports. If emergency officials tell you to evacuate, do so without delay.

  • Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but could be tossed about by high winds.

  • Clean out gutters.

  • Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the refrigerator or freezer door only when necessary and close quickly. Frozen food in a half-full freezer will remain safe up to 24 hours, and in a full freezer, up to 48 hours.

  • Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

Keep your electric company’s phone number ready to report an outage if your power goes out with #Isaias: 

  • BGE: 1-877-778-2222

  • Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877

  • Pepco: 1-877-737-2662

  • During Power Outages Use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for light and battery-operated radios and computers for storm progress and information.

  • Avoid using candles to prevent the risk of a fire.

  • Treat downed power lines as live & do not approach. Report any downed lines to 911 immediately.

Flooding

  • In anticipation of possible flooding, residents are encouraged to store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.

  • Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams.

  • Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.

Night Time Safety

  • Use extra caution at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

High Winds

  • To report downed trees on public property, Montgomery County residents should call 3-1-1 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the County or from a cell phone), or file a report. If live wires are involved, a tree is blocking a roadway, a tree is on a structure or if anyone is trapped under a fallen tree, call 9-1-1.

  • Trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. 

More information about preparing for emergencies is available on the web pages for the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on the County’s website.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website as well as the County’s data dashboard or follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCountyMD. 

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD 

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Release ID: 20-420
Media Contact: Ohene Gyapong 240-777-6507